85: Chapter 85 Purge the Remnants and Rectify Family Customs

The celebration lasted until late into the night before it ended.

However, inside a side hall in the core area of the Family, the lights were bright, and the atmosphere was completely different from the tranquility outside.

Clan Chief Ye Qingtian sat upright in the main seat, his face still pale.

Grand Elder Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan, Second Elder Ye Wenshan, the Discipline Hall Elder, and other core high-level members of the Family were lined up on both sides, each with a solemn expression.

Shortly after, Ye Tian walked into the hall, following behind an attendant.

At this moment, the moment he entered, everyone in the hall focused their gazes on him simultaneously.

"Ye Tian, sit."

Ye Qingtian's voice was calm as he reached out and pointed to an empty seat right next to Grand Elder Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan.

The arrangement of this seat also represented Ye Tian's current status in the Ye Family, second only to the Clan Chief and several core Elders.

Ye Tian sat down as instructed, his gaze sweeping across everyone present before finally landing on Ye Qingtian, nodding slightly: "Clan Chief, Elders."

"Everyone is here."

Ye Qingtian's voice carried a hint of fatigue, "The celebration is over, and the goal of soothing the people's hearts has been achieved.

But now, we need to discuss the grand plan for the Family's survival.

Although we won today's battle, it was a pyrrhic victory; our Ye Family suffered significant losses and, more importantly, many hidden dangers were exposed."

His gaze first turned to the Discipline Hall Elder, his tone turning cold: "Ye Zhengfeng, report the details of the prisoners and the losses."

Ye Zhengfeng stood up abruptly. His face was cold and hard; having managed the Discipline Hall for many years, a chilling Evil Qi radiated from his body. He reported in a deep voice: "Reporting to the Clan Chief, in this battle, thirty-nine of our Ye Family Disciples died in battle, twenty-one were heavily injured and lost their combat capability, and countless others suffered light injuries.

The security team lost more than half."

Pausing for a moment, he continued: "Regarding captives, we captured a total of forty-one Lin Family Cultivators, including three at the Qi Gathering Realm Late Stage, thirteen at the Middle Stage, and twenty-five at the Early Stage.

We captured ninety-five bandits from the Black Cloud Stronghold, including three leaders at the Qi Gathering Ninth Stage, while the rest were mostly at the Qi Gathering Middle and Early Stages.

The cultivation of all prisoners has been sealed; they are being held separately and under strict guard."

"As for the key figures," Ye Zhengfeng's voice added a hint of chill, "The Black Cloud Stronghold Chief Tu Qianshan is heavily injured and on the verge of death. His cultivation has been suppressed by multiple Restrictions, and he is imprisoned alone in the deepest part of the dungeon, with dedicated personnel guarding him twelve hours a day.

The Black Cloud Stronghold Second Chief Yan She... took advantage of the chaos during the battle and escaped; his current whereabouts are unknown.

The Lin Family head, Lin Batian, also disappeared after the defeat, suspected to have long prepared an escape route."

"Yan She and Lin Batian both ran away?"

Grand Elder Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan frowned tightly, "Yan She is insidious and cunning, and Lin Batian is calculating. The escape of these two is no different from letting a tiger return to the mountain; the future troubles are endless!

Especially Lin Batian; the Lin Family Foundation still exists. If he does not give up, he will surely make a comeback!"

A cold glint flashed in Ye Qingtian's eyes; he was clearly extremely dissatisfied with this result, but since things had reached this point, he could only face it.

He waved his hand, suppressing the discussion, and turned his gaze to Ye Tian, his tone softening significantly: "Ye Tian, you fought Tu Qianshan head-on and understand him the best.

In your opinion, can we pry any useful information out of him?

The Black Cloud Stronghold has never had any deep grudge with our Ye Family. Why did they suddenly mobilize their entire nest, collude with the Lin Family, and commit this act of extermination?"

Suddenly, everyone's gaze focused on Ye Tian once again.

Ye Tian had long anticipated this question. He pondered for a moment before slowly standing up: "Clan Chief, Elders.

Tu Qianshan is a Ningyuan Realm Third Stage expert. Having been defeated and captured, he must harbor strong resentment.

Conventional interrogation methods are likely insufficient to make him talk."

He changed the subject and continued: "However, although Tu Qianshan has been captured, the Black Cloud Stronghold has not yet reached the point of being crippled.

This Disciple believes that instead of wasting effort on a prisoner who may be worthless, it is better to take the initiative and strike while they are down!"

"Oh? How do we take the initiative?"

Second Elder Ye Wenshan asked.

Ye Tian's gaze swept over everyone and said: "Now that Tu Qianshan is captured and Yan She has fled with heavy injuries, the Black Cloud Stronghold is leaderless and has lost all its high-end combat power. It is currently at its weakest and most chaotic moment.

As for the Lin Family, although Lin Batian escaped, their main Family force also suffered significant losses in this battle. At this moment, they must be in a panic and busy protecting themselves."

"My suggestion is to split our forces into two paths and actively clear them out!"

Ye Tian's voice carried a sense of decisiveness, "One path, led by the Clan Chief or Grand Elder in person, leading the Family elites, will charge directly into the Black Cloud Stronghold's base!

Taking advantage of their internal chaos, we can eradicate this tumor that has been entrenched for many years once and for all, eliminating future troubles!

At the same time, we can seize the resources they have accumulated over many years to compensate for our Ye Family's losses this time."

"For the other path," he looked at Elder Ye Zhengfeng, "led by the Discipline Hall, in coordination with forces loyal to the Family, we will conduct precise strikes and cleanups on the Lin Family's industries and strongholds within Luo City, compressing their living space, weakening their power, and ensuring they have no ability to stir up trouble in the short term!"

This plan was bold and aggressive, but upon careful consideration, it was highly feasible.

The eyes of the several Elders in the hall revealed a look of being moved.

After this battle, the Ye Family needed a victory to completely establish its prestige while obtaining tangible benefits.

Ye Qingtian pondered for a moment and looked at Ye Tian: "This plan is excellent!

However, the Black Cloud Stronghold has been operating for many years; there may be residual Formations and traps, and the Lin Family is not to be trifled with.

Ye Tian, you are currently our Ye Family's strongest combat power. For this cleanup, do you need to personally oversee it?"

This was the most critical question.

If Ye Tian made a move, the success rate and safety of the cleanup operation would greatly increase.

However, Ye Tian shook his head, his tone calm: "Clan Chief, Elders, this Disciple thinks it is unnecessary."

Under the slightly surprised gazes of everyone, he explained: "Tu Qianshan is crippled, Yan She has fled with heavy injuries, and the remaining bandits of the Black Cloud Stronghold are nothing but paper tigers.

The Lin Family, having lost their backbone, Lin Batian, is even more like a frightened bird.

With your Yuan Condensation Second Layer cultivation, Clan Chief, supplemented by the Grand Elder, Second Elder, and other Seniors, it is enough to sweep away the remnants and wipe out the petty thugs."

He paused, his gaze frank: "Although this Disciple was lucky enough to win this battle, my own consumption was immense, and my Meridians and internal organs are all damaged. I need time to consolidate the cultivation I just achieved a Breakthrough in.

If I rashly participate in the cleanup now, it will not only be unhelpful for recovery, but if an emergency occurs, I fear I will be unable to exert my full strength."

He looked at Ye Qingtian, his tone solemn: "The Family's future cannot rest solely on this Disciple.

This cleanup is the perfect opportunity for the Clan Chief and the Elders to coordinate in actual combat and restore the Family's prestige.

This Disciple believes that with the abilities of the Clan Chief and the Elders, you will surely succeed immediately!

And this Disciple will sit in the Family base; firstly, to heal and Cultivate in peace, and secondly, to guard against the fleeing Yan She or Lin Batian acting out of desperation and coming to sneak attack the Family base, ensuring the rear is secure."

Ye Tian's words were reasonable and logical; they not only considered his own condition but also highlighted the prestige of the Clan Chief and the Elders. After all, he was just a Junior in the clan and could not overshadow his superiors. Moreover, this move also took into account the Family's defense, which could be called thoughtful and comprehensive.

Ye Qingtian exchanged glances with Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan, Ye Wenshan, and the others, all seeing the approval in each other's eyes.

Ye Tian did not boast of his merits, knew how to bide his time, and could think for the overall situation. This child was indeed capable of taking on great responsibilities!

"Good!"

Ye Qingtian suddenly slapped the armrest of his chair, a burst of heroic spirit rising, "We shall follow Ye Tian's words!

Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan, Ye Wenshan, you two follow me, gather the Family elites, and at dawn tomorrow, we march to the Black Cloud Stronghold base!"

"Ye Zhengfeng, you are responsible for integrating the forces and clearing out the Lin Family's remnant industries. You must be fast, accurate, and ruthless!"

"Yes!"

The several Elders replied in unison, their Battle Intent soaring.

"Ye Tian,"

Ye Qingtian looked at Ye Tian, his eyes full of trust, "The Family base is handed over to you.

Cultivate in peace; if there are any changes, warn us in time."

"This Disciple obeys!" Ye Tian bowed and replied.